Dallas Mavericks: 5 goals for Nerlens Noel in 2017-18

1. Play in more than 80 percent of games

The most important part of the 2017-18 season for Nerlens Noel is staying healthy for all 82 games. Even if he doesn’t appear in all 82 games, it helps if Noel appears in at least 80 percent (or 66 games) for the Dallas Mavericks. He tore his left ACL in his lone season with the Kentucky Wildcats and despite the injury, still entered the NBA Draft.

Noel missed the 2013-14 season in the NBA after being drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers with the sixth overall pick.

Noel appeared in 75 games as a rookie in 2014-15 and 67 games in 2015-16. He appeared in just 51 games last season, missing the first 23 games of the season due to another knee injury. Noel also sat out three games with knee soreness when he joined the Mavericks after the trade deadline.

Next: 2017-18 NBA season previews, predictions and power rankings

This season, Noel will need to be at optimal health, especially if he hopes to acquire a max deal. Not only that, but he’ll need to remain healthy to be a viable option at center for the Dallas Mavericks in 2017-18.